Cairns International Women’s Day award recipients revealed
Four inspiring Far North women have been recognised at the Council’s International Women’s Day awards ceremony.
Presented at the Pullman International Cairns this morning, Mary McGuinness was named recipient of the Woman of the Year award for her commitment to improving the local health sector.
Alongside her role as a midwife and birth suite nurse unit manager at Cairns Hospital, Ms McGuinness has volunteered with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation since her first Cardiac Challenge charity cycle from Cairns to Cooktown in 2014.
The Council also awarded Young Woman of the Year to Amy Cooper, while Rachel Broad received a $2000 scholarship and Naomi Moke took home the People’s Choice Award.
Mayoress Claire Manning described Ms McGuinness as a determined woman, who’s used her passion for cycling to promote and fundraise for important causes.
“Like so many people who have witnessed the Cardiac Challenge firsthand, Mary was swept up by the camaraderie of this annual event which raises vital funds to buy specialised equipment to improve cardiac care in the Far North,” Mrs Manning said.
“The Cardiac Challenge has a profound impact on people, not just through the funds and subsequent equipment it helps secure, but it also changes the lives of participants, supporters and volunteers.”
As well as her involvement with the Cardiac Challenge, Ms McGuinness also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, is a member of She Spokes riding group, and fundraises for the annual Ride for Isabel event, which raises awareness and funds for Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS) Queensland.
Although Ms McGuinness is currently interstate and couldn’t attend today’s ceremony, she thanked the Cairns community for the award on social media this morning.
“I’m stunned and amazed and honoured and privileged,” she said.
“We live in this amazing part of the country and if I do anything to contribute to it I’m really delighted.
“Thank you and congratulations to my fellow nominees.”
Redlynch State College student Amy Cooper was recognised as Young Woman of the Year for demonstrating that disability does not need to be a barrier to success.
The 16-year-old has competed at the Australian Judo Championships, participates in rowing, is a gifted singer and pianist, and an award-winning writer.
Amy is legally blind and reads and writes in Braille to reach her academic and musical achievements.
“Amy is a remarkable and determined young woman who shows that there are many pathways to success,” Mrs Manning said.
“She is a school leader who demonstrates incredible courage and kindness – she is an inspiration to the whole school and our community.”
The Council’s $2000 scholarship was awarded to Rachel Broad, a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee at Woree State High School.
The teacher and AFL coach will use the scholarship to purchase equipment and engage additional mentors for the school’s Girls’ Group, which Rachel established with the aim of helping young Indigenous women.
Another local woman inspiring youth through sport was named winner of the People’s Choice award.
Naomi Moke helps deliver programs and promote better outcomes for children and young people, with a particular goal of increasing female participation in netball and basketball.
